Tom note: Here is the first entry in our 10 Long March posts for 2018, the 10th most-read item of the year, which originally ran on October 31, 2o18. These posts are selected based on what's called 'total engaged minutes' (the total number of time spent reading and commenting on an article) rather than page views, which the T&P; editors see as a better reflection of Long March reader interest and community. Thanks to all of you for reading, and for commenting--which is an important part of this column.

Within two weeks of moving to New York City, I found myself sitting in a room at the Y. Around the table sat men and women of every race, age, and demographics. What we shared in common was our veteran status and our desire to write. That writing group — Voices From War — helped me feel part of something new, but also old, in the largest city of the U.S., one that many people find alienating.

1. Stay in touch with some of the people you were there with. No one is going to listen or care as much as they do about that part of your life and probably no one will ever understand it as much as they do, so don't lose touch and check on each other.